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legitimate entity

/ˌlɛdʒɪˈtɪmɪt ˈɛntɪtɪ/ · legi·ti·ma·tive en·ti·ty
noun
  1. A recognized and authorized entity, such as a corporation or government agency, that operates within the bounds of the law. The company was considered a legitimate entity by the government and was therefore eligible for tax breaks.
  2. A person or organization that is considered to be acting in good faith and with a genuine intention. The charity was considered a legitimate entity by the donors, who trusted that their contributions would be used for the intended purpose.
Did you know? The concept of a legitimate entity is closely tied to the idea of legitimacy, which has been a central theme in philosophy and politics for centuries. The ancient Greek philosopher Plato, for example, wrote extensively on the concept of legitimacy and its relationship to the state.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 29, 2026